On Monday, December 12 I had a routine colonoscopy (if there is such a thing). I did so only as a spin-off from my annual physical, not because I was having any problems. The doctor found only one polyp, but it was too large to remove during a colonoscopy. When the lab report came back on Tuesday, he asked to see me the next day. On Wednesday he told me the polyp contained cancer.

I had wanted surgery as soon as possible, not only to remove the polyp without delay, but also because it would maximize my recovery time between semesters at Southern Seminary. The surgeon was supportive, but said immediate surgery was unlikely as several pre-op tests would be required, and he didn’t think these could be scheduled until January. Moreover, as everyone needing surgery was trying to get it done before Christmas, he saw no chance of being able to reserve an operating room. But an amazing sequence of providences began to happen. Before I left his office, all the tests were scheduled and the last remaining slot for any operating room in the city in 2005 was reserved for Tuesday the 20th. Less than four hours later I found myself in a hospital across Louisville getting a CAT scan.

The CAT scan has revealed that the cancer is in the muscle of the colon, and so a small (Lord willing) portion of my colon is to be removed Tuesday (December 20) at 4:00 eastern time at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville.

For now, the surgeon is optimistic that the cancer has not spread beyond the colon. Another test to be endured much of the day on Monday will clarify the picture there. So at present the prospect of radiation and/or chemotherapy is also unknown.

The predicted time for the hospital stay following the surgery is four-to-seven days.

I thank the Lord:

• That we found this—perhaps relatively early—especially in light of the fact . . .
• That I have had no symptoms and no pain. In fact, I feel perfectly normal.
• That He providentially arranged for the tests and the surgery to be performed so quickly.
• That He arranged for the timing to occur between semesters and speaking engagements, and for the surgery/recovery to occur while my Mother was already scheduled for an extended visit.

PLEASE PRAY:

• For God to be glorified in all these matters.
• That the cancer will be entirely removed.
• That no colostomy will be required.
• That no infection will set in.
• That the Lord will give me grace through the initial recovery period, particularly with the pain and the mental fog.
• That no further treatment—including radiation and chemotherapy—will be needed.
• For Caffy, Laurelen, and my Mother. As you can imagine, they will each have their own set of special needs as well.
• For my/our witness to the medical personnel—to two in particular.
• That I will be home for Christmas (this is especially important to Laurelen, who will also turn twelve the day after Christmas).
• That this will not affect my ability to travel to long-scheduled speaking engagements in the last half of January nor my return to the classroom at the end of January.
• For the Lord’s provision in the aftermath of major surgery, several days in the hospital, etc.
• That this will cause me—and my family—to love and prize Jesus more, and be more like Him.

At present the plan is to post updates on the homepage of my website. So if the Lord brings me to mind, please check www.BiblicalSpirituality.org for the latest, and for our prayer requests in this matter. I have written this lengthy report with the hope that many of you will indeed pray. Thank you so much for your precious prayers.

By His grace and for His glory,

Don Whitney